PRENDERGAST BUTCHERS in Haverfordwest has taken the top prize for the best sausage in Wales, at the prestigious ‘Put Your Best Sausage Forward 2024’ competition.

Organised by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales, the award celebrates the artisan Welsh pork industry, which is defined by smaller scale and specialised farms and producers.

The award-winning family butchers is run by Chris and Rachel Wolsey, along with their two sons Tom and Mark.

The family have been farming in Pembrokeshire for almost 50 years, and took over the shop some seven years ago. In that time, the business has been transformed and consistently wins awards for the quality of its offering, including being named the best butcher in Wales at the UK-wide Butcher’s Shop of the Year Awards.

Announced at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair Show, not only was their Prendergast Gold sausage named the best banger in Wales, but their Merry Cherry entry also reigned supreme in the newly introduced Best Christmas Sausage category.

Speaking of his pride at winning both awards, Chris Wolsey said, “Having made the shortlist for the two previous years and just missing out on the top prize, it’s fantastic to have finally taken the crown. To win the best Christmas sausage as well is just the icing on top.

“Everyone in the shop is over the moon. Both entries are a combination of the family doing a lot of trialling and tasting, and getting the sausages to the point where we feel they would be appealing to our customers. My preference is for a sausage with very high pork content, and which just has the bare minimum of seasoning, hand mixed and with a natural casing. When you have an amazing product, like locally reared pork in Wales, then you want that to be the star of the show and the main flavour.

“In my opinion, pork from Wales is superior. The flavour, husbandry and smaller scale farms sets us apart from the larger, more industrial method of farming. At Prendergast Butchers, we know exactly where all our meat comes from, it’s fully traceable and we work closely with our customers and farmers to get the product exactly as they want it.”

Philippa Gill, Brand Engagement Lead at Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales, commented, “We are thrilled that Prendergast Butchers took not just one, but both awards at this year’s competition.

“The standards continue to be high, and highlight some of the quality, artisan products that are available locally to people in Wales.

“Our small-scale producers offer unique, hand-reared products, often available directly or from local shops like Prendergast Butchers. With fewer food miles, it’s often a more sustainable choice, in addition to helping keep money in the local economy. We would strongly encourage people to seek out their local pork producer and give them a try.”

For more information on pork produced in Wales, and where you can buy it, visit porcblasus.cymru.

A MAN accused of murdering a retired riding instructor in Swansea has told a jury he believes he will die behind bars.

Wendy Buckney, 71, was discovered battered and stabbed at her home in Clydach in August 2022. The court heard she had been attacked with a table leg and shelving before being repeatedly stabbed. Her injuries were so severe that a pathologist could not determine the exact number of stab wounds.

The defendant, Brian Whitelock, 57, admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility but denied murder. Representing himself at Swansea Crown Court, Mr. Whitelock said he had no memory of the events, citing brain injuries and hearing voices.

Victim found covered in furniture

CCTV and audio recordings were shown in court, capturing Mr. Whitelock outside Ms. Buckney’s flat, covered in blood, telling a neighbour he had killed her. Inside, Ms. Buckney’s naked body was discovered concealed under furniture.

The prosecution, led by Chris Rees KC, said Mr. Whitelock used “extreme violence,” drawing parallels to a 2000 case in which he killed two men, including his brother.

Past convictions resurface

In 2001, Mr. Whitelock was sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering Nicky Morgan and the manslaughter of his brother, Glenn Whitelock, who was asleep upstairs during the incident.

When questioned about the previous killings, Mr. Whitelock walked out of the witness box, declaring: “I’m not answering any more questions. You can go on the medical evidence. I can’t defend myself.”

He described his attack on Ms. Buckney as “out of character,” blaming head injuries from two falls shortly before her death. He claimed the injuries caused memory loss, confusion, and erratic behaviour.

‘She was one of the kindest people I knew’

Mr. Whitelock described Ms. Buckney as a kind and generous person who had helped him often. “She was really lovely, one of the most genuine people I know,” he said. “She helped me a lot. It’s difficult to talk about. She would do anything to help me.”

The court also heard that Mr. Whitelock had been prescribed strong sleeping tablets and had gone days without food or sleep in the lead-up to the attack.

Accused denies lying

Prosecutor Chris Rees accused Mr. Whitelock of lying to avoid another life sentence, asserting that he had also lied during his 2001 trial. Mr. Whitelock denied the allegations, saying: “I served my time, this has no relevance in this case whatsoever. You’re just trying to tie me in knots.”

An officer who arrested Mr. Whitelock overheard him saying, “I’m not doing another life sentence for murder,” during questioning at Swansea Central Police Station.

The case continues.

A ROUTINE night supporting local communities turned unexpectedly dramatic for Ajay Owen, the Director and Chair of Dyfed-Powys Neighbourhood Watch, after he was pulled over by police twice on Tuesday evening last week (Nov 19).

Ajay, who was assisting residents across North Ceredigion and Western Powys during freezing conditions, was first stopped in Aberystwyth. Dyfed-Powys Police had received a report falsely alleging he was using illegal blue lights to stop drivers.

Cooperating fully with officers, Ajay allowed them to inspect his vehicle, where they confirmed no blue lights were installed. He explained that he uses legal magnetic amber lights, which are removed when not in use. Officers described the check as the “easiest” they had ever conducted, with Ajay even assisting in the inspection. Reassured, the officers thanked him for his community work and allowed him to continue.

However, hours later, Ajay was stopped again, this time near Cardigan, by a separate team of traffic officers investigating the same allegation. After explaining the earlier stop, the officers apologised and allowed him to proceed without issue.

Ajay praised the professionalism and empathy of the officers involved in both incidents, despite the false reports that triggered the stops. Following the events, he filed an official report requesting an investigation into the malicious calls.

The police would not comment on the specific stops but said in a general statement: “Stop and search remains a hugely important police power for protecting the public, tackling crime and keeping our streets safe.

“Stop and search must be used in a fair and effective way that supports public confidence and is independently scrutinised.

“We will continue to work with our communities and stakeholders to ensure that stop and search continues to protect the public.”

Dyfed-Powys Neighbourhood Watch reminded volunteers no Neighbourhood Watch member, Coordinator, or Deputy is permitted to use blue lights under any circumstances.

“Any breaches of this policy will be reported to the police”, they said.